National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally step in and resolve the prolonged issues surrounding the non-implementation of their 19-point demands.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a letter dated Monday and titled “A Passionate Appeal to the Commander-in-Chief of the Federation,” the association warned that Nigeria’s healthcare system is on the brink of total collapse due to the government’s continued inaction.
Signed by NARD president Mohammad Suleiman, the letter called on President Tinubu to address long-standing grievances, including unpaid salary arrears, the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and improved welfare for resident doctors.
The association stated, “We are not politicians. We are doctors — men and women devoted to saving lives, working long hours in often harsh and under-resourced conditions.”
“Our appeal is simple and sincere: we seek not luxuries, but the basic salaries, allowances, and welfare packages that have already been approved and promised by government.”
According to NARD, despite several signed agreements and assurances, many resident doctors have not received their legitimate entitlements.
The body warned that continued neglect of medical professionals threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
Recall that the association had earlier embarked on a five-day warning strike to protest the federal government’s failure to fulfill its promises.
Their demands include the upward review of CONMESS, payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and recruitment of additional clinical staff.
Following the expiration of the strike ultimatum, NARD announced plans to begin an indefinite nationwide industrial action on November 1 over the persistent neglect of members’ welfare and poor working conditions.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter had also launched an indefinite strike after a seven-day warning action, citing unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, and inadequate diagnostic equipment.
In the appeal, NARD urged Tinubu to exercise his fatherly leadership by addressing the lingering issues, saying his prompt intervention would help restore confidence and stability in the health sector.
It concluded, “Mr President, you have always been known for your compassion, fairness, and courage in addressing difficult national challenges.”
“We therefore appeal to you to personally intervene and resolve these long-standing issues to save our collapsing health system.”
